sodium arsenite

chemical compound

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Sodium arsenite is a poisonous substance derived from arsenic trioxide and sodium hydroxide. It can be found as a dry powder or concentrated solution.1

This compound is a mixture of sodium ortho-arsenite (Na₃AsO₃) and sodium meta-arsenite (NaAsO₂).1

Sodium arsenite is primarily used as an insecticidal bait and a weed killer.1

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2 Britannica Sources

sodium arsenite
sodium arsenate

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herbicide
History
Soon sodium arsenite became popular both as a spray and as a soil sterilant. On thousands of kilometers of railroad right-of-way, and in sugarcane and rubber plantations in the tropics, the hazardous material was used in tremendous quantities, often resulting in the poisoning of animals and…
Read More
Soon sodium arsenite became popular both as a spray and as a soil sterilant. On thousands of kilometers of railroad right-of-way, and in sugarcane and rubber plantations in the tropics, the hazardous material was used in tremendous quantities, often resulting in the poisoning of animals and…
Read More
weed
Chemical control
Soon sodium arsenite became popular both as a spray and as a soil sterilant. On thousands of miles of railroad right-of-way, and in sugarcane and rubber plantations in the tropics, the hazardous material was used in tremendous quantities, often resulting in the poisoning of animals and…
Read More
Soon sodium arsenite became popular both as a spray and as a soil sterilant. On thousands of miles of railroad right-of-way, and in sugarcane and rubber plantations in the tropics, the hazardous material was used in tremendous quantities, often resulting in the poisoning of animals and…
Read More